Can't reach EDD for 3 weeks - need working phone number for claim status update

same boat bro. ive been calling for a month. its all bs. the system is rigged to make it hard to get ur $

Unfortunately, there's no 'secret' direct number that bypasses the queue. The main numbers (1-800-300-5616, 1-833-978-2511, or 1-866-333-4606) are your only official options. But pending status for 3 weeks is actually pretty normal right now, especially if this is your first claim. There might be identity verification or employer response issues they're processing. What I would recommend: 1. Check your UI Online inbox daily for any messages requiring action 2. Make sure your ID.me verification is complete 3. Try calling at 8:01am exactly (not 8:00 - everyone tries then) 4. Check if your former employer responded correctly to the Notice of Unemployment Insurance Claim Pending doesn't always mean there's a problem - sometimes it's just the processing time.

I had the same problem last month and wasted sooo much time trying to get through. After two weeks of constant calling and getting nowhere, I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got connected to an EDD rep in about 20 minutes. They have this system that basically waits on hold for you and calls you when they get an agent. There's a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km When I finally got through, turns out there was a small discrepancy between my reported last day of work and what my employer reported, which was holding everything up. The agent fixed it on the spot and my payments started processing the next day.

Your pending status after 3 weeks isn't unusual, but it's right at the point where I'd recommend taking action. Here's what I've learned from dealing with EDD for years (worked in HR before being laid off myself): 1. TIMING IS EVERYTHING - Call on Wednesdays or Thursdays between 1-2pm. Monday/Tuesday are their busiest days, and mornings are swamped with people thinking they're beating the rush (they're not). 2. TECHNICAL TRICK - When you call 1-800-300-5616, as SOON as the automated system starts, press 1, then quickly press 2, 4. This routing sometimes gets you to tier 2 specialists faster. 3. BE PREPARED - Have your Customer Account Number, last 4 of SSN, and exact date you filed ready. When you get a rep, be super brief about your issue: "My claim has been pending for 3 weeks with no communication. I've verified my identity and my employer has responded. Can you tell me what's causing the delay?" In most cases, it's either a simple flag on your account they can remove in minutes, or they need to transfer you to a claims specialist (ask for a direct transfer rather than a callback if possible).

Anyone saying 3 weeks is normal is LYING. my friend got approved in 4 days last month. the difference? she got through to someone on the phone day 1!! it's all about getting a human to look at your claim. otherwise it sits in digital limbo forever while they handle the people who call

UPDATE: I finally got through! Used the Claimyr service that someone mentioned above, and it worked exactly as described. Got connected to an EDD rep in about 25 minutes. Turns out there was a "stop payment alert" on my account because the system flagged a potential identity issue, even though I had completed ID.me verification! The rep was able to remove the flag and release my payments. She said without calling, this could have sat in the system for another 2-3 weeks waiting for manual review. All my waiting weeks switched to "paid" status within hours after the call. The money should hit my account in 24-48 hours. Such a relief! If you're stuck in pending like I was, definitely call. Don't just wait and hope it resolves itself.

I'm going through EXACTLY the same thing right now!!! Been calling and calling and calling - busy signals, disconnects, or the dreaded "we're experiencing high call volume" message. So frustrating!!!! Did anyone try the EDD Contact Center (different from the UI line)? It's 1-800-480-3287. I read somewhere that sometimes you can get help there too?? Desperate at this point... 😩